New Excursion- some ?'s

[WhiteSuperDuty]

Hey everyone- Well, I recently got a 2002 Excursion Limited with the 7.3 - it has 130,000 on it, and i love it. I used to have a 2000 F-250 with the gasser, but sold it a few years ago and haven't really been on the boards since. Now I have a reason to come back!!
I just have a few questions- First, what kind of mileage can I expect. I've put on about 100 miles so far, and am average around 11, but its been mostly in-town driving. Also, is there any thing that I should do mod-wise that is considered mandatory?

Thanks-

[clamgulch]

Welcome back! There has been lots of changes just in the last year, especially with engine tuning and horsepower now approaching 750 hp at the rear wheels for properly built 7.3 race and/or pulling engines. Admittedly, that is rare, but not unheard of. Also, you might want to post excursion specific questions in the excursion forum.

Mandatory: Gauges! Pyrometer, boost and transmission temprature. Those are mandatory and should be your first mod, and those of us that have trashed engines and transmissions are pretty much in agreement on that. Several sponsors carry gauges and A-piller pods at great prices.
Suspension mods on the excursion are worthwhile. The stock springs are too soft and may be sagged down to the point where the bump stop is sitting on top of the spring hold down cap. Bilstein shocks seem to be the rage, but I don't use them. Rear anti sway bar if you don't have one from the factory, Radius rods for the rear springs, 4" exhaust, AFE stage II air intake (or equivilant). Fuel system mod to get rid of the air sucking quick disconnect fitting in the suction side between the tank and the fuel pump, a multi position switchable on the fly chip from DP Tuner, aka Jody Tipton.

Just keep in mind that you have powdered metal connecting rods and you need to stay under the threshold of their instant destruction tendencies which begin at 350 hp with bad ECU programming.

[a94cobra]

Well, I would suggest some sort of chip or programmer. It will increase the power and mileage. Gauges are an option. If you run mild mods you don't need gauges. I have had my X for three years. I run the Superchips programmer on it. It really helps on mileage. I get around 14 intown and I have hit 24 hwy once. Most of the time it is 22 hwy. This is with the Superchips programmer. I recently put in gauges. With the Superchip programmer, the EGT's are well within limits. So unless you are modding for lots of power or towing, gauges can be skipped. A better air filter is a good idea as well. Even if you just get a replacement K&N type.

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The stock springs are too soft

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What are you recommending as replacements?